The first time I became aware of fashion trends, sometime in my early teens, it was because this picture of a pristine white kameez with delicate beige embroidery on the neckline, sleeve hems, and the side slits caught my eye, and I wanted it so badly for that Eid.

Whether I got it or not is a different story, but the short kameez had entered my quite non-existent style radar.

Women have it easier in terms of fashion compared to men, I feel, as there is such a vast variety of styles to choose from. Just take the simple short kameez for example.

PAIRING THE SHORT KAMEEZ

The ordinary short kameez is quite versatile in its choice pf partners, and works well with many different types of bottoms, except the 'churidar', in my humble opinion. 

The plain shalwar, with a half-sleeved short kameez, is perfectly comfortable to wear at home.

However, why waste its versatility on just home wear? Moving on to everyday casual use, or even hangouts, a short kameez in a subtle hue, or print, can be easily paired with a batik Patiala shalwar or even jeans, depending on how short or long it is. Perfectly suitable for those day trips to the countryside, or even roaming around the city on special festivals.

Just imagine a sheer white 'chikan' short kameez, with a voluminous 'dhoti' Patiala shalwar with intricate Jessore-stitch embroidery all over, paired with a simple 'chunri' or hand-painted Rajshahi silk dupatta.

A vision, for sure!

Just add some glass bangles or a statement silver piece — a perfect summer festival look.

Or for a brunch outing or small scale 'dawat', like a friend's birthday bash.

Make the shalwar a bit dressier with, say, georgette or jacquard silks, with the edges trimmed in fancy lace, or the border heavily embroidered in thread, and the same kameez can now be worn for even a 'holud' that does not demand you to don a prescribed uniform.

For more formal events, a colourful or jewel-toned structured short kameez, like sherwani cut, or one with a high-low seam, can be paired with understated formal pants and sleek heels. And an interesting twist to this would be to have your pants stitched in unusual fabrics, like heavy brocade, along with the usual linen and cotton blends, to mix and match to suit the occasion.

A soft silk understated short kameez can serve as a staple piece to flaunt different kinds of party-wear bottoms, like a silk-patchwork ('chatapatti'), 'dhoti-shalwar', a flouncy 'ghagra', or even a luxurious 'gharara'. The more mainstream but equally chic can be a heavily worked palazzo.

The resulting silhouettes are sleek and neat, and of course, striking. Depending on the shortness of the kameez, it can also be worn with saris draped in the nivi style, or the more on trend 'ghagra' style.

There is really no shortage of options to style the short kameez, and it is not limited by the occasion or season either.

Can it be more perfect?

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Mysha

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe: Chondon

Khussa: Monroe

Make-up: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon

Location: Sushi Samurai